Exclusive Hiking Tour, 15 Days
This tour goes from Zagreb to Dubrovnik, including islands in between!
ZAGREB - MEDVEDNICA - PLITVICE LAKES NATIONAL PARK - ZADAR - PAKLENICA NATIONAL PARK - VELEBIT NATURE PARK - KORNATI NATIONAL PARK - SPLIT - KORCULA - MT. SVETI ILIJA - STON - DUBROVNIK
Traditional Croatian folk dancers entertain the people!
Day 1 - Arrive in Zagreb and take a private shuttle to your hotel. Take the afternoon to settle and rest from a long flight. Wander the streets of this beautiful city at your leisure and get ready for a wonderful trip ahead. Enjoy a welcome dinner at an authentic local restaurant to try some Croatian specialties.
Enjoy the spectacular views all around as you hike near Zagreb with your private guide!
Day 2 - (5-6 hours walking)
Your day will start with a hike from Sestine, one of Zagreb’s villages at the foot of Medvednica mountain. On smooth hiking trails, along small streams, and in the shade of the forest, you’ll walk up to Medvedgrad fortress (a medieval fortified town located on the southern slopes of Medvednica, overlooking the city of Zagreb). After some refreshments you’ll continue the ascent to the top of the Medvednica, known as Sljeme (Zagreb’s famous ski resort which hosts the World Cup Slalom races every winter). From the top you’ll enjoy breathtaking views toward the west and the region of Zagorje. When the weather is clear enough you’ll be able to see all the way to Julian alps in Slovenia. Descend back down to Zagreb on another beautiful trail in the woods and retire back at your luxurious hotel for the evening.
Your day will start with a hike from Sestine, one of Zagreb’s villages at the foot of Medvednica mountain. On smooth hiking trails, along small streams, and in the shade of the forest, you’ll walk up to Medvedgrad fortress (a medieval fortified town located on the southern slopes of Medvednica, overlooking the city of Zagreb). After some refreshments you’ll continue the ascent to the top of the Medvednica, known as Sljeme (Zagreb’s famous ski resort which hosts the World Cup Slalom races every winter). From the top you’ll enjoy breathtaking views toward the west and the region of Zagorje. When the weather is clear enough you’ll be able to see all the way to Julian alps in Slovenia. Descend back down to Zagreb on another beautiful trail in the woods and retire back at your luxurious hotel for the evening.
You cannot miss this magnificent national park and its glorious lakes and waterfalls all around!
Day 3 - (4 hours walking)
Enjoy breakfast at your hotel, then head to Plitvice Lakes National Park, with a stop for a coffee at Rastoke Village on the way. Upon arrival at Plitvice, embark on a privately guided tour of this UNESCO World Heritage Site & National Park. With sixteen pristine lakes, endless waterfalls and countless flowing rivers encompassing the park, it’s truly an enchanting place. Your day at Plitvice will conclude with a boat ride back across one of the main lakes, where you can see all the beauty from a different perspective. Once you've had enough exploring for the day, relax at a cozy cabin-hotel near the lakes, and rest your feet for the night.
Enjoy breakfast at your hotel, then head to Plitvice Lakes National Park, with a stop for a coffee at Rastoke Village on the way. Upon arrival at Plitvice, embark on a privately guided tour of this UNESCO World Heritage Site & National Park. With sixteen pristine lakes, endless waterfalls and countless flowing rivers encompassing the park, it’s truly an enchanting place. Your day at Plitvice will conclude with a boat ride back across one of the main lakes, where you can see all the beauty from a different perspective. Once you've had enough exploring for the day, relax at a cozy cabin-hotel near the lakes, and rest your feet for the night.
See Plitvice Lakes from all angles on your privately guided hike
Day 4 - (3-4 hours walking)
Marvel in another day hiking the wondrous Plitvice Lakes National Park with your private guide. He knows all the best spots and routes to avoid the crowds and get the most out of this paradise. Capture Plitvice’s best panoramic view points as you hike along the lakes. Transfer to Zadar in the afternoon, and wander the city at your leisure in the evening.
Marvel in another day hiking the wondrous Plitvice Lakes National Park with your private guide. He knows all the best spots and routes to avoid the crowds and get the most out of this paradise. Capture Plitvice’s best panoramic view points as you hike along the lakes. Transfer to Zadar in the afternoon, and wander the city at your leisure in the evening.
The views and the tranquility on the peaks of these mountains is breathtaking.
Day 5 - (6-7 hours walking)
Be sure to eat a hearty breakfast before heading towards Paklenica National Park. Here you'll enter through the canyon of Velika Paklenica for the most stunning ascent yet. Throughout your day of hiking, you'll be able to see an actual change in vegetation, observing the switch from a Mediterranean, to a mountainous terrain. Enjoy the views while you relax at the top, and have a well deserved beverage. Begin the descent and head back to Zadar where you can enjoy the evening at your leisure.
Be sure to eat a hearty breakfast before heading towards Paklenica National Park. Here you'll enter through the canyon of Velika Paklenica for the most stunning ascent yet. Throughout your day of hiking, you'll be able to see an actual change in vegetation, observing the switch from a Mediterranean, to a mountainous terrain. Enjoy the views while you relax at the top, and have a well deserved beverage. Begin the descent and head back to Zadar where you can enjoy the evening at your leisure.
A little gem hidden far away from the crowds is the Krupa River. A very peaceful spot indeed.
Day 6 - (4 hours walking)
After breakfast, you'll leave for an unforgettable excursion where you will discover a hidden gem at the bottom of Velebit's alluring canyon, the Krupa River. Here you'll be taken aback by the beauty of Velebit's natural reserve with waterfalls and luscious greenery all around. There you'll escape the crowds, have lunch, and swim in and around the cascading water, with an idyllic landscape as a backdrop!
After breakfast, you'll leave for an unforgettable excursion where you will discover a hidden gem at the bottom of Velebit's alluring canyon, the Krupa River. Here you'll be taken aback by the beauty of Velebit's natural reserve with waterfalls and luscious greenery all around. There you'll escape the crowds, have lunch, and swim in and around the cascading water, with an idyllic landscape as a backdrop!
The awe-inspiring archipelago of Kornati National Park. See it from the water as you privately sail around the islands for the day.
Day 7 - (2 hours walking)
Once you've enjoyed a leisurely breakfast, you'll be driven towards the Murter Peninsula, where you'll embark on a private boat and set sail to discover the famous archipelago of Kornati. You’ll sail among the dozen of islands then stop in the small town of Vrulje (Kornati’s main town). From there you’ll climb up to the highest peak of the island, Metlina (237 meters), where you’ll enjoy exceptional views over the archipelago. Next you’ll head to Magazinove Skrile which is a particular type of landslide, likely caused by an earthquake in the past, which is an impressive white, smooth, 9000 square meter plateau. Drive to Split after returning to the mainland and relax at your luxurious hotel for the evening.
Once you've enjoyed a leisurely breakfast, you'll be driven towards the Murter Peninsula, where you'll embark on a private boat and set sail to discover the famous archipelago of Kornati. You’ll sail among the dozen of islands then stop in the small town of Vrulje (Kornati’s main town). From there you’ll climb up to the highest peak of the island, Metlina (237 meters), where you’ll enjoy exceptional views over the archipelago. Next you’ll head to Magazinove Skrile which is a particular type of landslide, likely caused by an earthquake in the past, which is an impressive white, smooth, 9000 square meter plateau. Drive to Split after returning to the mainland and relax at your luxurious hotel for the evening.
Sit for coffee and enjoy the slower pace of life on the famous Riva in Split.
Day 8 - (Break from hiking day) Wake up in Split and do as the locals do - enjoy a coffee on the Riva (famous promenade that lines the sea). Explore the second largest city in Croatia and enjoy the architecture from 295 AD on a privately guided city tour. The historical center of Split is built around the remains of the Roman Palace of Diocletian, and is marked as another UNESCO World Heritage Site. Later on, stroll the palm tree lined promenade, and watch the sunset as you relax for the night.
Wander the city of Korcula at your own pace - the slower the better for this way of life!
Day 9 - (Break from walking day) Take the ferry to Korcula and visit one of the most treasured islands on the Adriatic. Korcula is located further from the mainland than its sister-islands, Hvar and Brac and is therefore a little less crowded. Spend a leisurely day in Korcula City, also known as Little Dubrovnik, and visit the home of Marco Polo, which is now a museum. Spend the evening on the island as you wish.
Hike to Mount Sveti Ilija for some unbelievable views of the mountain range and the sea
Day 10 - (6-7 hours walking)
Enjoy a hearty breakfast and get ready to hike Mount Sveti Ilija on Peljesac peninsula. Sveti Ilija is the highest summit (961m) and the most famous mountaineering destination on Peljesac peninsula. The hike starts almost at sea level, but the ascent is quite progressive. From the top, take in the stunning views of the surrounding islands and the nearby Bosnian mountain ranges. This is one of the most demanding hikes of the program but also one of the most beautiful! Retire back to your hotel on Korcula Island for a well deserved, restful evening.
Enjoy a hearty breakfast and get ready to hike Mount Sveti Ilija on Peljesac peninsula. Sveti Ilija is the highest summit (961m) and the most famous mountaineering destination on Peljesac peninsula. The hike starts almost at sea level, but the ascent is quite progressive. From the top, take in the stunning views of the surrounding islands and the nearby Bosnian mountain ranges. This is one of the most demanding hikes of the program but also one of the most beautiful! Retire back to your hotel on Korcula Island for a well deserved, restful evening.
Relax in nature at the Kocje Reserve on Korcula Island and soak up some more mother nature!
Day 11 - (3 hours walking)
Enjoy an easy day of hiking as you head to the Kocje Natural Forest Reserve on Korcula Island. The reserve is a particularly interesting area since the vegetation there is completely different from the rest of the island. It’s made of very large limestone monoliths surrounded by big green oaks that form an amazing natural labyrinth. Spend the afternoon at your leisure at the beach or in Korcula town.
Enjoy an easy day of hiking as you head to the Kocje Natural Forest Reserve on Korcula Island. The reserve is a particularly interesting area since the vegetation there is completely different from the rest of the island. It’s made of very large limestone monoliths surrounded by big green oaks that form an amazing natural labyrinth. Spend the afternoon at your leisure at the beach or in Korcula town.
Visit the small fortress town of Ston and sample some oysters fresh from the sea.
Day 12 - After breakfast at your hotel, set off to your next destination on the way to Dubrovnik, which is the city of Ston. Ston is home to what has been nicknamed, The Great Wall of Croatia. Here you will find the longest complete fortress system around any European town. This quaint little city is truly a well-kept secret on the Adriatic. Have lunch and try some oysters, which the town is well-known for. Afterwards, drive to Trsteno for a quick visit of this quaint village and check out the Arboretum. Once you’ve marvelled in the beauty, continue on your way to Dubrovnik.
See one of the world's shorters (and cutest) river, the Ombla River, where you'll start your hike!
Day 13 - (3-4 hours walking)
After breakfast at your hotel, hike from the Ombla river spring to Srdj mountain and Dubrovnik old town. The picturesque Ombla River is one of the shortest rivers in the world (approx. 300m long) and flows into the Rijeka Dubrovačka embayment of the Adriatic Sea. From there you will climb Mount Srdj very to finish at the top, overlooking Dubrovnik’s Old Town. Embark on a privately guided walking tour of Dubrovnik after taking a cable car ride back down the mountain.
After breakfast at your hotel, hike from the Ombla river spring to Srdj mountain and Dubrovnik old town. The picturesque Ombla River is one of the shortest rivers in the world (approx. 300m long) and flows into the Rijeka Dubrovačka embayment of the Adriatic Sea. From there you will climb Mount Srdj very to finish at the top, overlooking Dubrovnik’s Old Town. Embark on a privately guided walking tour of Dubrovnik after taking a cable car ride back down the mountain.
Walk Dubrovnik's city walls and catch a glimpse of the city from this stunning perspective!
Day 14 - Use this day as you wish to explore the sights or soak up the sun at the beach for the day. Your driver will take you to a local spot, or you may choose to take a water taxi to a nearby island to catch some rays. Relax, enjoy the Adriatic breeze and have a picnic lunch with a view.
Day 15 - Departure day – Enjoy the morning as you please, pick up some souvenirs for friends and family, then take a private transfer to the airport before your flight.
-Included in the package pricing: nightly accommodation in a 4 or 5 star hotel with breakfast, all transportation costs (excluding flights to and from Croatia), luggage transfers, entrance fees to national parks, meals specified in itinerary, professional English speaking guide throughout, professional English speaking driver throughout, 24-hour accessible guide in case of emergencies.
-Not included: flights, insurance, meals and beverages other than those listed in the itinerary.
-Included in the package pricing: nightly accommodation in a 4 or 5 star hotel with breakfast, all transportation costs (excluding flights to and from Croatia), luggage transfers, entrance fees to national parks, meals specified in itinerary, professional English speaking guide throughout, professional English speaking driver throughout, 24-hour accessible guide in case of emergencies.
-Not included: flights, insurance, meals and beverages other than those listed in the itinerary.
